star connection

electronics

Also known as: Y connection, wye connection

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

A star connection is a method used in electronics to connect polyphase circuits. In this configuration, one end of each phase line is joined to a common neutral point. This neutral point can be connected to the earth for lightning protection or to a wire that links all other neutral points within the system. This is contrasted with a delta connection, where electrical apparatus is connected in a mesh configuration to a three-phase circuit. A related term, star winding, describes a winding in a polyphase electric machine where one terminal of each phase coil connects to a common point, and the other terminals connect to the external system.123

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electric generator
Phases
This connection is called a star, or wye, connection. Alternatively, since the three winding voltages also sum to zero at every instant, the three windings can be connected in series—a′ to b, b′ to c, and c′ to a—to form a delta connection. The output can then be transmitted using…
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This connection is called a star, or wye, connection. Alternatively, since the three winding voltages also sum to zero at every instant, the three windings can be connected in series—a′ to b, b′ to c, and c′ to a—to form a delta connection. The output can then be transmitted using…
Read More